Finding Ronan’s Heart by Melanie Moreland

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ronan

Beth stirred in my arms and slowly woke, confused in the early evening light. After I had made love to her, she’d fallen asleep, and I didn’t move. I wanted her to rest, unencumbered by doubts or worries. I had a feeling she was rarely afforded that luxury.

She smiled up at me, her curls even wilder than usual, having been crushed in my fists as I drove into her over and again. She was sexy and sweet as she blinked, looking drowsy and content. Then she frowned, gasped, and sat up, looking around in panic.

“Ronan! I’m late—my shift started an hour ago.” She started to scramble from my bed, and I grabbed her arm, laughing.

“Calm down, little bird. You, ah, you aren’t working tonight.”

She looked at me as if I had lost my mind. “Pardon me?”

“I called Mike this morning and asked him if he could get someone to cover. I told him I had something special planned. He said no problem.” I paused. “I also asked Evan for permission to keep you overnight.”

She pursed her lips, and I waited for the explosion. She surprised me when, instead, she wrapped her arms around her knees calmly. “What did he say?”

“Little shit gave me a list of requirements and rules. Let’s just say a new box of Lego is being delivered, pizza and ice cream are owed, and I have to treat you nicely. Really nicely.”

She chuckled.

“I told him what I had in mind for you didn’t fall under the nice category, and he shut up pretty fast. I think ‘gross’ was the word used.”

She fell back laughing. Pleased, I lay down beside her. “You’re not mad?”

“No. Thanks to the cake orders, I’m fine, and frankly, the thought of spending the evening and the night with you is too awesome to resist. Especially if you treat me really nicely.” She cupped my cheek. “I’ll let it pass this time, but you can’t do that without talking to me, Ronan.”

“Okay,” I agreed quickly, already knowing my plans for the future. I just had to talk to a few people about what I was thinking and see if we could move all the pieces into place. I was certain we could, but until then, I would stay quiet.

She narrowed her eyes. “What are you up to?”

I kissed her. “Nothing.” Before she could question me more, I kissed her again. “Now, you have me all evening and all night. What would you like to do?”

She began to speak, then stopped.

“What?”

“It’s going to sound lame.”

“Tell me.”

“I never get to do nothing, you know?”

I waggled my eyebrows. “So, you want to stay in bed all night? I can get with that plan.”

She laughed. “No—well, yes—but no. Maybe early to bed.”

I kissed the end of her nose, dropping a few fast kisses on the line of freckles that covered the bridge. “What do you want to do until then?”

“Could we just relax and watch a movie?”

“Popcorn?”

“Oh yes.”

“How about I order some pizza?”

“Um, could we have some wings too?”

I pinned her under me, kissing her neck and growling. “I knew you were the perfect woman for me.”

She pulled me to her mouth. “Yes, I am.”

* * *

Beth

The door to the diner opened, the bell ringing out. I could tell it was Ronan from the loud, fast peal of the chime. He entered the diner quickly, as if he couldn’t wait to get inside. I always knew when it was him these days. I picked up the order I was getting in the kitchen.

“Bert, can I have the usual, please?”

He chuckled. “Your man is in the house, is he?”

“Pretty darn certain.”

“Coming up.”

“Thanks.”

I opened the door with my hip and carried the tray to the table, unloading it and checking on the customers. The place had been hopping all day but was finally quieting down. I turned and met Ronan’s affectionate gaze, still amazed at how complete he made me feel just being in the same room together. I walked over to his booth and leaned down, accepting his kiss happily. I pulled back, smiling.

“Hello, Thor,” I teased.

He grinned. I’d called him that one day while he was gripping me in the shower, holding me up and taking me again before I left his place. I still marveled at his strength, and it had slipped out before I could stop it. He liked it, so I used it.

“Hey, little bird. I’m hungry.”

“I figured. Working out with the dynamic duo?”

He also liked my name for Paul and Jeremy. They made sure to spend time together every week, and they kept in close contact. I really liked Kim and Diane, and we went out together as a group, Ronan no longer feeling like a third wheel. He was open and happy when we were together, and I loved that funny, teasing side to him. I loved every side of him.

“Yeah. They were headed off in different directions, and I came straight to you.”

“Good.”

“Have time to sit with me?”

“Yep. Jane will take over. I already ordered your dinner.”

“Awesome.”

Ten minutes later, I slid the turkey club with extra mayo and tomatoes in front of him with a side salad and extra pickles. He picked up the massive sandwich, looking at it with appreciation. “Woman, you spoil me.”

I smiled as I sipped my coffee.

“Evan excited over the last day of school tomorrow?”

“Yes, he is. He is even more excited about being in Port Albany for a week.”

Aiden and Cami had insisted on him staying with them. Aiden had been working with him diligently, and I could see the improvement in Evan’s leg over the past month. Aiden wanted to spend time with him daily, and Evan was so excited he was almost bursting.

Ronan looked thoughtful as he chewed. He cleared his throat. “Addi offered Anne a job today.”

I blinked. “Anne—as in, Jenny’s mom?”

We had gotten to know her over the past few weeks because of Evan telling us about Jenny. Anne wasn’t much older than Ronan, pretty, with auburn hair and brown eyes. She was completely alone, with no family, very proud and independent, but struggling. They lived close to the school, and Jenny spent some days with Evan after school and we saw her a lot on the weekends. Anne took any hours she could at the hotel where she worked to make ends meet, even though she hated the time it took away from her and her daughter. With the help of Ronan’s family, three days a week, Jenny was given a ride to our place. She and Evan studied together, watched TV with Lucy, and ate dinner with us. It took some persuading on my part, but Anne finally allowed it.

Ronan wiped his mouth. “Yes.”

“Where?”

“She is going to be the liaison between the hotel in Port Albany we’re opening and the winery. She’s been taking business courses online on top of working. She does hours behind the concierge desk, as well as reservations and her work in the catering department. She has all the knowledge.” He crumpled a napkin between his fingers. “And ABC is going to give her the chance for the experience.”

“She’ll be perfect,” I enthused. Anne was warm and smart. Level-headed and responsible. Then it hit me.

“How is it going to work? She doesn’t drive.”

He inhaled. “She is moving to Port Albany. We bought a couple houses in town and have fixed them up. She can live there with reasonable rent, Jenny can go to a decent school, and Anne will have normal hours.”

I smiled sadly. “That is awesome for her, sad for Evan. Jenny is his best friend.”

Since the visit from BAM, there had been no more bullying. There had been a lot of fake interest in Evan, but he was too smart to fall for it. He stuck to the couple of people who had liked him before they knew of his association with BAM and ABC.

“He’ll miss her.”

“The position is perfect for Anne. Addi really likes her—so does everyone else. She’ll be working with Theo, who is going to run both the winery and the hotel when it’s complete. He thinks she is incredible and is very enthusiastic.” He paused. “Very.”

I widened my eyes. “Like, personally enthusiastic?”

“He’s not saying, but it wouldn’t shock me.”

I laughed. “Reid and Becca would love an instant grandchild.”

“We’ll see what happens.”

He entwined our fingers. “Addi has lots of plans for the winery. Big changes.”

“Well, one thing that is certain in life is change, isn’t it?”

He met my eyes, his gaze intense. “Yep. How open we are to that change depends on the outcome, I guess.”

I stood. “Okay, Mr. Philosophical. Break’s over. Finish your dinner, and I’ll bring you a piece of cake.”

He nodded, but I felt his gaze on me the rest of the night.

* * *

Sunday afternoon was one of my favorite days of the month. I spent it with the ladies of BAM and ABC, and we talked books. Our shared love of historical romance united us. I loved them all.

Cami, Emmy, and Dee were a tight unit, their friendship longstanding and wonderful. Becca, Fiona, and Liv were all enthusiastic participants. Sandy loved a “good read,” as she called it, informing me once with a wink that “Jordan enjoyed the benefits as well.”

The whole room burst out laughing when Addi grinned. “All the men do,” she deadpanned.

Addi, Gracie, Ava, and Heather were always there. Chloe, Addi’s sister, came when her busy schedule allowed it. Between school and her volunteer work at the animal shelter, she was always on the go. Shelby came and went as the mood struck her, still more interested in paint or clay than the written word. She was quieter than the other women of her generation, but I liked her and enjoyed talking to her. She often came into the diner when I was working, bringing other artists with her. She was eclectic and funny. I noticed how often one certain man appeared in her groups, always close, always watching her. He was an art gallery owner, and I had a feeling he was far more interested in her as a person than simply as an artist. I sensed his feelings and wondered if Shelby was as blind to them as she seemed.

Often, Katy would appear via Zoom. I had met her a couple of times while visiting, and I liked her a great deal. Gracie and Heather looked like her, and she was hilarious when she got going. I had been intimidated by her husband, Richard, the first time I met him, but he sat with Evan, talking to him about his back injury and what he had gone through, and I saw the gentle, loving man beneath the cool exterior and had grown as fond of him as I had his daughters. He loved to drop in during the Zoom meetings and say something outrageous to Katy, making us all laugh, then disappearing again. One time, in particular, she laughed and turned back to the camera.

“Always the star of the show,” she muttered.

“I heard that!” he’d retorted in the background.

Everyone laughed with her, because it was true.

Not every “cousin” liked historical romances, which was fine, but anyone who did was welcome. It was a lively, fun group. There was wine, talking, sharing, and much laughter.

“What book is next?” asked Ava from the corner.

“I think we should start the Wicked Winters series,” I offered. “The books are shorter, so we should be able to read two each month.” I grinned. “They are very, ah, fast reads.” I winked at Kim and Diane, who were joining us for the first time. “A good introduction for you two.”

“Awesome,” Diane enthused.

Shouts of laughter from downstairs made me grin. Evan and all the men were downstairs. A huge table had been constructed, and all the Lego was being built. They had competitions, teams, and the rules were easy—there was none. Stealing happened, towers were knocked down, and it was a general free-for-all. But they all loved it. Lucy was an honorary member, always perched on someone’s shoulder—although Liam, Ronan, and Aiden were her favorites.

I loved being part of this group of amazing women. This wonderful, loud, loving family.

We finished our discussion and broke off into smaller groups as usual. I wandered to the library to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view before I went downstairs to get Ronan and Evan. I was surprised when Addi joined me.

Addi looked tired, and I smiled as she put her feet up, sitting across from me.

“How are you feeling?”

“Grateful the first trimester is over.” She grinned. “I missed food. And even though my caffeine intake is limited, I missed that too.”

We were quiet for a moment, and I noticed she seemed to be waiting for something—or someone.

“What’s up?” I asked.

Before she could respond, Ronan strolled in, dropping into the chair beside me. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Hey.”

Now I knew for sure something was up. “Hi,” I responded.

He took my hand. “I need you to listen with an open mind, okay?”

I frowned. “Sure.”

He nodded at Addi. “You’re up.”

She shifted in her seat. “I have an offer for you. I’m going to make it, and you can think it over. Promise me you won’t say no right off.”

“You’re making me very nervous.”

She laughed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” She paused. “I would like to offer you a job.”

“A job,” I repeated.

She nodded. “The winery is booked solid all summer and fall, and even winter now. We’ve always offered the best for catering and service, and we want to add another layer to that.”

“I know nothing about catering.”

“But you know about desserts.”

I was more confused than ever. “You want me to make some cakes for the winery?”

She shook her head. “We want to offer your cakes exclusively. We want you to do all the cakes for the winery’s functions.” She rattled off a number, and I felt myself go pale.

“I can’t possibly bake that number of cakes plus waitress.”

She looked at Ronan, who turned to me. “You wouldn’t have to waitress anymore, Beth. You would be under exclusive contract to ABC. You would have a kitchen here to work from. People to help you.”

“But school and commuting,” I sputtered. “Evan—how could I look after him when—”

He held up his hand. “Let me explain.”

Addi stood. “I am going to leave you two to discuss this. But the offer is coming from ABC with full approval from everyone. In fact, it was Dad’s idea. We discussed it thoroughly, and we all saw the value of it. Ronan knows all the details—I’ll let him tell you because I know how it will affect the two of you.”

She left, pulling the French doors shut behind her. I stared at Ronan. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s simple, really. We have an excellent chef at the winery, but we contract out all the desserts. We’ve had a great place making cakes, but they sold, and we don’t like the product the new ownership is producing. It’s our reputation on the line.”

“But Ronan, I only make cakes. I can’t make pastries or anything else.”

He nodded. “We know. But we checked our records. Ninety percent of the events request cake for dessert. Especially weddings. Your cakes would be a huge asset to the company.”

“But school and commuting…”

He smiled. “School isn’t an issue, nor is commuting. We can work around your schedule. The beauty of this is you would know months ahead of what is needed and when. It can all be structured.”

My mind was reeling. The thought of not having to waitress. Be on my feet all the time. Deal with difficult customers. I hated all those parts of the job, but it was something I had to do. At least, until now. Still, it was a lot to wrap my head around.

I met his eyes. They were gentle and anxious all at the same time. “Evan,” I began.

He shocked me when he slid to his knees in front of me. “Evan will be fine.” He took in a deep breath. “Because I want you and Evan to move here to Port Albany.” He paused. “With me.”

I stared at him. “What?”

“I want you guys with me. I hate waking up without you. I hate wondering how Evan’s day was and having to wait until I see him to ask. I worry about you all the time. I want you with me. Here.”

I had no words, and he kept talking.

“Jenny is going to be in Port Albany. He can go to the same school as her. He’ll still have his best friend. You’ll be surrounded by family to help. Think how much easier it will be for Evan to get treatment. My dad is here every day. Evan will have access to the pool and the gym every day.” He ran a finger down my cheek. “I’ll get you every day.” He smiled, his voice soft. “Nothing would make me happier than that.”

“I don’t drive,” I objected.

He laughed. “Every day, little bird. There is someone in and out of Toronto every day. Multiple times. You would never be stuck. We’d figure it all out. And you’d have a more manageable schedule. No more working nights, no more Saturdays. Your life would be easier. Evan would be happier here away from that school. You would be happier.”

“And you?” I asked.

“I would be ecstatic. I’d have you and Evan. We’d be together.”

“Paige and Lucy,” I whispered. “I can’t leave them.”

He leaned close. “You won’t be. My brother is all in where they’re concerned. He asked her yesterday to move here with him.”

I blinked in shock. “He did what now?”

He laughed. “Last night.”

“She didn’t say anything!”

“Because, like you, she was concerned what would happen to you. She told Liam she couldn’t leave you alone.”

“So, if I say yes to you, then she’ll say yes to Liam?”

His eyes twinkled. “Maybe?”

Suddenly, I began to laugh. “Incorrigible isn’t the right word for you Callaghan boys.”

He pressed closer, gathering my hands in his. “Say yes, Beth. Come live with me. We’ll work it all out. Join me in this crazy place and make this our home. Together. Please.”

This man.

This amazing, wonderful man had just offered me a new life. One with him but still including the people who were my family. We would all be close. I would have him with me every day. Evan would be happier. I would be happier. My life would be easier. Better. Brighter.

There was only one answer I could give.

“Yes.”

* * *

I looked around the boxes, shocked at how little I actually had to move. Mostly books and clothes. The rest of the stuff was Evan’s. A few pieces of furniture I had from my parents. That was it. Paige was staying behind, and Liam was planning on being here with her until the end of the month. The landlord had someone else wanting to move in and had let us out of our lease. It worked out well for both parties, so he hadn’t objected much.

Liam was busy with the rest of the BAM crew creating a room for Lucy that he wanted ready before they moved in a few weeks. Evan had a fabulous time with Liv Morrison, Van’s wife, who decorated his room in his favorite colors of blue and red. The rest of the house, Ronan and I decided we would work on gradually. Evan was excited to be moving—the thought of a new school, an instant big family, and Jenny still being around all making him happy. He adored Ronan, and I knew he was looking forward to the change.

I had sat and spoken with Addi and Brayden, then all the men of BAM. I looked over their numbers, satisfied this offer wasn’t made up. The numbers Maddox had shown me were accurate and well-thought-out. The one stickler was that ABC had the exclusive rights to the cakes I made. Mike wasn’t overly happy, although he’d known our arrangement wouldn’t last forever. He hadn’t been pleased that I was leaving the diner as a waitress either.

“You’re one of the honest, hard-working ones,” he said. “Dependable. Your cakes brought in a lot of business.”

I agreed to fulfill all the orders that were waiting before I left, so I parted on good terms. Then I suggested he talk to Jane, who sometimes helped me bake.

“She’s looking for extra money,” I said. “Her banana cake is awesome. I bet she could fill in very well.”

That tidbit of information helped smooth my way out.

I rearranged my upcoming school schedule. Some of my courses were online, and I was able to get the ones I needed to attend in person to Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ronan made those his days to be in Toronto, and we would stay overnight in the condo. There were so many places for Evan to stay on a Tuesday night—he was spoiled for choice. I was still getting used to having people around to help. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get used to having that many.

Paige came in as I was sealing the last box. “Ready?” she asked.

I smiled. “Not sure I will ever be ready for this.”

She laughed, nodding. “I’ll miss seeing you every day.”

“It’s not for long. Soon, we’ll both be at the compound. You can see Liam’s house from Ronan’s front door. We’ll see each other all the time.” I sat down beside her. “Life is going to be so different, Paige.” I paused. “So much better, though.” I nudged her with my elbow. “Who knew when you asked for a single brother this would happen?”

She laughed, but it sounded forced.

“What is it?”

“Liam wants to get married.”

“Wow.”

“And adopt Lucy.”

I gaped at her. “Holy shit.”

She plucked at the edge of her shirt. “And he wants to do it soon. Before I move in.”

“And you don’t? Too fast?” I guessed.

She sighed. “That’s the scary part, Beth. I do. I want to marry him. I want to let Lucy call him Daddy. She’s dying to do so.” She laughed softly. “So is he, I think.”

“But…”

“Shouldn’t I be scared? After what happened before? Shouldn’t all this scare the shit out of me? I mean, is there something wrong with me that all I can think of is how much I want that too?”

I took her hand in mine. “Some people would think so, but I don’t. Liam is different. I’ve seen how he looks at you. The love he feels for you and Lucy. He’s like Ronan. What you see is what you get. They’re special. Wonderful. And you love him, don’t you?”

She nodded. “I do. I know he’s nothing like my ex. You would just think I would want to be more cautious.”

“Or maybe your heart knows what is right. You said you had doubts last time. Do you feel those with Liam?”

“None. All I feel is an absolute rightness.”

“Then say yes.”

“Neither of us wants a big wedding. In fact, we only plan on getting married with our witnesses. Maybe a party after if anyone was interested?”

I laughed. “As if this family would let an occasion like that go without a party?”

She sniffled. “Our family,” she said softly and flung her arms around my neck. “Now we get to be real sisters.”

I hugged her back, my heart filled with happiness for her. “Yes, we do.”

* * *

I woke up with a start, confused. Outside was dark, but the windows were open, a gentle breeze blowing in, stirring the curtains, and moonlight softened the blackness. Beside me, Ronan slept, his big body close to mine, his arm draped over my hip. When I jerked, he moved, lifting up on his elbow.

“Beth? Little bird? What is it?”

In the dark, I sought his embrace. His warmth wrapped around me, his strength real and needed.

“Tell me,” he whispered.

“I-I was dreaming,” I replied, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I dreamed this was all a dream. You weren’t real, and I was still alone.” A sob escaped my throat. “How silly, a dream about a dream.”

He held me closer, kissing my head. “Not a dream, baby. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. We’re just starting, and it’s going to be great.”

He slipped his fingers under my chin and kissed me, his lips soft and gentle on mine. I pushed closer, needing, wanting his touch. Wanting to feel him move with me. He groaned low in his chest, his arms tightening. We kissed until my body screamed with desire for him. I rolled on top of him, positioning myself and taking him inside.

“Holy merciful…” he cursed, gripping my hips.

I was glad Evan’s new room was at the other end of the hall as I began to move. I rested my hands on Ronan’s chest, rolling my hips, riding him.

The bed creaked, the headboard hitting the wall. Ronan reached up and grabbed it with one hand, anchoring it in place, the action causing his biceps to swell. He looked so sexy under me in the dim light, the look of pure pleasure on his face.

My muscles tightened and I moved faster. Ronan’s pillow slipped, and he groaned as he orgasmed, his back arching off the bed, his grip tightening on my hip. I shut my eyes, color exploding behind the lids as I shook with my release.

Then I collapsed on his chest.

For a moment, there was only the sound of our heavy breathing. Then Ronan spoke. “Is this going to be a regular thing? Not the dreams, but attacking me in the middle of the night? Because I’m all for it.”

I giggled.

“I need to anchor this headboard if it is. Oil the bedframe. I wonder if we could add extra insulation to the walls.”

I began to laugh. “Maybe some headphones for Evan would be cheaper.”

“Hmm.” He ran his hand down my back. “I’ll go on Amazon in the morning and get some.” He lifted my chin. “Okay now, little bird?”

“Yeah. I think I was feeling overwhelmed and nervous. All the change,” I explained. “First night in a new place and all.”

“I understand. And if you need to work that shit out again later? I’m right here. Anytime. I’m your guy.”

I smiled. “Yes, you are.”

I fell asleep wrapped in his arms.